Kristin Babendreier, AMFT

“Form is emptiness, emptiness is form”- Prajñaparamita Heart Sutra

This sutra suggests we are all interdependent on one another. Since I believe we are interdependent on one another, I believe it my life purpose to alleviate the suffering of others. This belief, combined with my own experience with mental health concerns, led me to the path of being a therapist to others.

Hi! My name is Kristin Babendreier (she/her). I am a graduate from Alliant International University- San Diego and have been working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist since 2023. Within my experience as an associate therapist, I have enjoyed using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), harm reduction, and mindfulness techniques. I am also actively receiving training in EMDR to treat the effects of trauma.

As a queer therapist, I enjoy working with people in the LGTBQ community. In general, I view my work through both strengths-based and social justice lenses, as I consider each person’s unique backgrounds. I try to recognize my privilege and advocate for those I work with.

I have supported populations that range from pre-teens to adults, and families. I have experience treating a variety of concerns to include life transitions, depressive and mood-related disorders, anxiety-based disorders, and psychotic disorders. Prior to earning my master’s degree, I have experience providing long-term treatment through intensive case management and crisis intervention services to those with serious mental illness (SMI) and cooccurring substance use disorders.

In my free time, I enjoy taking my rescue dog to agility classes, the beach, the dog park, and on long walks. I also love going to the beach, exploring yoga, reading, spending time with loved ones and friends, and going to concerts.